Allegation against Tinubu unfounded, says group

A group of Lagos politicians, the New Justice Forum (NJF) has condemned the allegation by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State that the party’s chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was planning to impose the governorship candidate ahead of the 2015 election.

In a joint statement by Taiwo Ayedun and Folami Olatunji, the NJF noted that it was not unusual to hear such false allegations and insinuations during political seasons and election years.

The statement said: “Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu is a true democrat and visionary leader. The decision for zoning of governorship candidate to Lagos East was agreed upon by all stakeholders in the party. We challenge those alleging that Asiwaju Tinubu is planning to impose a governorship candidate to provide the proof. He who alleges must prove.

“What Asiwaju Tinubu said repeatedly is that development is not about religion. He added that governing Lagos State is about merit, competence and the ability of the candidate. Just like he governed Lagos and laid a solid foundation, upon which Governor Babatunde Fashola – another competent governor – built upon, the next governor of Lagos must also be competent and qualified.

“Asiwaju Tinubu has also said on several occasions that the people of Lagos and the voters will decide who they want as governor when they go out to vote.” Ayedun said.

The group warned those planning to destabilise the party’s steady progress in Lagos to desist.

It stressed that nothing good would come out of such political ‘gangsterism’.

“Lagosians and true party members will decide what is right for Lagos, not a group like this one will decide for them,” the statement said.

The NJF hailed Asiwaju Tinubu for taking the lead to ensure that every competent person has a shot at elective positions in the party.

It added: “Though the governorship (ticket) has been zoned, based on the internal arrangement of the party, all competent persons from the zone have a change to contest.

“We want to recongnise the tireless effort of Asiwaju Tinubu in continuing to lead the party in Lagos and nationwide. His clarity of mind and singleness of purpose in this effort is commendable.

“Asiwaju is currently pre-occupied with national assignments on the change agenda of the party and it will not be fair of any party member or group to embark on activities that are capable of distracting him from his heroic efforts for the nation.

“We are also not unconscious of external infiltrations from the ruling party by sponsoring mischief makers to cause ripples in our party, a move that will be resisted by every power within our means.”

I don’t mind when a good candidate is imposed. Our pedigree in APC right from Chief Awolowo years is to make sure that we have a good candidate that represents and believes in the core principles, ideals and programs of the party. We will not allow money bags and people that will not serve the interest of the people to hijack the process and take advantage of our very vulnerable electorates. APC is not like PDP that are imposing unrepentant criminals like Fayose and Omisore as candidates. I trust the judgement of Asiwaju and he has the right just like any member of APC to support the candidate of his choice. If Ambode is his choice, that is his choice. There will be primaries and whoever wins becomes our candidate.

bangisjoey

Hmm!
So, its only Asiwaju Tinubu that has the foresight to choose a credible and competent candidat?
I think its high time Lagosians wake up from their slumber and begin to choose their Leaders base on the true process of democracy and all sense of fairness. I for one don’t have any issues as to who and which party rules a state, all thats there is that some people that take themselves to be political julganuts should not impose people on Us.
Let’s all wake up and defend our democracy in the little corners we find ourselves, Nigeria is bigger than anybody and everybody.

Kayode

Usually one man sees the vision first while he shares with others-Asiwaju saw it first.

anthony

If your assertion is to be follow, then we might find ourself in doom very soon because Soonest people like Bode Judge will be elected becos there misdid is not known to every one,and even as a Yoruba right from Awolowo we allow our leader tested and trusted choose

Abas

Right from the time of Papa Chief Awolowo, candidate has always be choosing or selected not elected they believe selection of candidate is the best that can not bring division in the party. So, if right thinking people come together and select whoever they think that can perform better than Fashola I that will be great. Yoruba has never voted based on religion some people want to bring religion to Yoruba politic which will never do anyone any good. Pls, dont let us fall into antic of evil doer d so called PDP (destructive party)

anthony

Well spoken!

Kayode

The political sagacity of the statesman has placed him over and above others not only in Lagos but Nigeria as a whole. I respect his ingenuity and mental alertness.